West Midland Safari Park is delighted to announce that their long-awaited Safari Lodges have officially opened to the public, welcoming guests to stay for the very first time at the luxury overnight accommodation.
Nestled into the heart of England, the eight exclusive lodges are integrated into newly-updated animal habitats on the Park’s reserves, overlooking cheetahs and African elephants, designed to give guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife experience.
Six of the lodges offer the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the UK, whilst two more lodges offer incredible views of the Park’s cheetahs, also the only experience of its kind in the country.
The double-story elephant lodges are authentically themed with thatched roofs, accommodating up to five people. They have large, open-plan living spaces with lounge, dining area and kitchenette. The spacious balcony with outdoor seating offers spectacular views to watch elephants, Latabe, Five and Sutton approach the pool in front of the lodges.
The two single-story, detached cheetah lodges sleep up to six guests. The living spaces feature large windows, spanning one side of the building offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat. A floor-to-ceiling window offers similarly incredible views in the bedrooms where guests can watch cheetahs Azrael and Bappe run and play.
Safari Lodges short breaks will include breakfast and dinner, exclusive views of the animals in their natural setting and admission to the Safari Park and its attractions. Wristbands for the Adventure Theme Park will also be included for those staying during the Park’s summer season. Each lodge will offer free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machine and mini bar, filled with local produce.
The brand-new development forms the first phase of the Park’s Safari Lodges proposition, with more phases expected to start this Spring, including a Red Panda Cottage experience, which will be the first of its kind.
Project Manager Neil James said, “It’s been thrilling to watch this amazing project grow into something so spectacular, and to have done it with conservation at the forefront of our minds when it came to the design and build throughout, has been hugely important.
“This development will leave an incredible legacy, not only for the guests who come to stay; but also in the form of the long-lasting support it will provide our amazing animals through revenue to continue to improve their facilities here at the Park.”
The Park’s three African elephants, Latabe, Five and seven-year-old Bull, Sutton, have now moved into their brand new habitat; which will enable them to enjoy their outdoor paddock for twenty four hours a day, including its 450 cubic metre drinking pool.
Chris Kelly, Managing Director at West Midland Safari Park, said: “It’s been a long journey, but we are absolutely delighted to have finally opened our doors and welcome guests to our Safari Lodges experience.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved, in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time, but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.
“Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable Safari-stay right here in the Midlands. Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours. Being located on our reserves, guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer, making it the perfect retreat for all the family.”
Bookings for 2021 have almost sold out already, but 2022 breaks are now available to book online or by phone. Prices start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child. For further information on the Safari Lodges and details on how to book, visit www.safari-lodges.co.uk.
